Riot Shield Handle

ABSTRACT

A riot shield includes: a shield including a first aperture formed through the shield, the shield having a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a first handle attached to the first face of the shield portion, the first handle including a handle body having a first cavity formed therein, the first cavity located adjacent to the first face of the shield portion and aligned with the first aperture; and a first deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the first handle, the first deterrent module including a discharge end that is aligned with the first aperture of the shield such that a deterrent of the first deterrent module is discharged outwardly from the second face of the shield portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/361,779 for a Riot Shield Handle filed on Jul. 13, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of self-defense devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a riot shield and handle for both protecting a user and discharging a deterrent.

BACKGROUND

Riot shields allow law enforcement users to defend themselves from projectiles or impact from other weapons. When holding a riot shield, law enforcement officials may defend themselves and prevent advancement of rioters. While riot shields provide an effective means defense, dispersing rioters or other dangerous parties is difficult, and if a user holding a riot shield desires to deploy a lethal or less-lethal device, the user must expose himself from behind the riot shield to activate the device.

Attempts have been made to allow deployment of lethal and less-lethal devices from behind a riot shield. However, those attempts provide for use of only a limited number of lethal or less-lethal devices. Further, attempts to integrate riot shields with other devices provide limited options for types of lethal or less-lethal devices, and once a device is selected it may be difficult to then select or switch to a different type of device for a different scenario expected to be encountered by the user of the riot shield.

What is needed, therefore, is a riot shield handle that is configured to integrate with multiple types of lethal or less-lethal devices such that the devices may be deployed through the riot shield. What is also needed is a handle that allows a user to maintain control of the riot shield with one or both hands and be able to deploy necessary deterrent measures without exposure of coming out from behind the protection of the shield. Finally, a handle having readily available tactical response measures built into the protective shield devices deployed for officer and citizen safety is needed to address fluid crowd events and changing environments for enhanced responsiveness, effectiveness and overall safety.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by a riot shield handle according to embodiments herein. In a first aspect, a riot shield includes: a shield including a first aperture formed through the shield, the shield having a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a first handle attached to the first face of the shield portion, the first handle including a handle body having a first cavity formed therein, the first cavity located adjacent to the first face of the shield portion and aligned with the first aperture; and a first deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the first handle, the first deterrent module including a discharge end that is aligned with the first aperture of the shield such that a deterrent of the first deterrent module is discharged outwardly from the second face of the shield portion.

In one embodiment, the riot shield further includes: a second aperture formed through the shield; a second handle attached to the first face of the shield portion, the second handle including a handle body having a first cavity formed therein, the first cavity located adjacent to the first face of the shield portion and aligned with the second aperture; and a second deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the second handle, the second deterrent module including a discharge end that is aligned with the second aperture of the shield such that a deterrent of the second deterrent module is discharged outwardly from the second face of the shield portion.

In another embodiment, the handle forms a U-shaped handle body with the first cavity located at an upper end of the U-shaped handle body, the U-shaped handle body further including a second cavity formed at a lower end of the U-shaped handle body and adapted to receive a second deterrent module into the second cavity of the U-shaped handle body. In yet another embodiment, the handle includes a handle bridge connecting the upper end and the lower end of the U-shaped handle body. In one embodiment, a power source is located within the handle bridge of the U-shaped handle body.

In another embodiment, the first deterrent module is one of a less-lethal and non-lethal deterrent module. In yet another embodiment, the first handle is secured to the first face of the shield portion with one or more fasteners, wherein the first deterrent module is secured within the first cavity of the first handle between the first face of the shield and the first handle.

In a second aspect, a riot shield handle includes: a handle body adapted to be secured to a riot shield; a cavity formed in the handle body located adjacent a surface of the riot shield when the handle is secured to the riot shield; and a deterrent module removably secured within the cavity formed in the handle body, the deterrent module including a discharge end adjacent the shield portion and configured to emit a deterrent from the deterrent module.

In a third aspect, a riot shield includes: a shield including at least first and second apertures formed through a face of the shield; at least one handle attached to the shield portion, the handle including a U-shaped handle body, a first cavity formed in an upper portion of the U-shaped handle body, the first cavity located adjacent to a rear surface of the shield portion; a second cavity formed in a lower portion of the U-shaped handle body, the second cavity located adjacent to a rear surface of the shield portion, a first deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the handle body, the deterrent module including a discharge end aligned with the first apertures formed through the face of the shield, and a second deterrent module removably inserted into the cavity of the handle body, the deterrent module including a discharge end aligned with the first apertures formed through the face of the shield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a riot shield and handle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a handle and deterrent module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a handle and deterrent module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a riot shield and handle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control.

A riot shield and integrated handle are provided for defending a user and providing the ability to deploy lethal or less-lethal devices from behind the riot shield. The handle includes one or more deterrent modules adapted to fit within the handle and discharge through a face of the riot shield. The deterrent modules are swappable such that the user may readily swap one type of deterrent for another, and multiple modules may be installed on the handle providing multiple deterrent options for the user. The deterrent modules are substantially modular in that substantially all components necessary to discharge a deterrent are contained within the modules such that each individual module may be capable of emitting a different type of deterrent.

FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of a riot shield 10 including a pair of handles 12A and 12B configured to attach to the riot shield 10. The pair of handles 12A and 12B include at least one deterrent module 14 inserted into the handle. The handles 12A and 12B are attached to the riot shield 10 such that a deterrent from the deterrent modules 14 is projected outward from a face 16 of the riot shield 10.

The riot shield 10 includes the face 16 and one or more apertures 17 formed through the face 16 of the shield. The shield 10 may be formed of various materials such as a polymer, metal, or composite material. Examples of a suitable shield 10 may include “heavy” type shields suitable for resisting bullets or other projectiles or lighter-weight shields formed of a polymer or other lighter-weight material.

Referring to FIG. 2, each of the pair of handles 12A and 12B includes a handle body 18 shaped to allow a user to grasp the handles 12A and 12B. The handle body 18 is preferably substantially U-shaped and includes an upper portion 20, a lower portion 22, and a handle bridge 24 attaching the upper portion 20 to the lower portion 22. A cavity is formed in each of the upper portion 20 and lower portion 22 of the handle body. The cavity extends into the upper portion 20 and lower portion 22 from an open end that is distal from the handle bridge 24 to a closed end adjacent the handle bridge 24. While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the cavity being formed on ends of the handle body 18 adjacent to the shield, it is also understood that the cavities may be formed with open ends on a top, bottom, or sides of the handle body 18 to facilitate rapid insertion of the deterrent modules 14 by a user.

One or more controls 26 may be formed on an outside surface of the handle body 18. The controls 26 are preferably positioned such that when a user grasps the handle body 18, the controls 26 are accessible by fingers of the user. The one or more controls 26 may be in communication with the deterrent modules 14 as described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the handles 12A and 12B are attached to the shield 10 using one or more threaded fasteners inserted through the face of the shield 10 and into the handles 12A and 12B. One or more plates 27 may be positioned adjacent an outward face of the shield 10 for supporting the fasteners against the shield 10. While FIG. 1 illustrates one or more fasteners securing the handles 12A and 12B against the shield 10, it is also understood that various other means of attaching the handles may be used. For example, a quick release mechanism allowing the handles 12A and 12B to be removed from the shield 10 without the use of tools may be used. Further, components for supporting the handles 12A and 12B may be integrated or formed on a rear face of the shield 10.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a portable power source 28 is provided for powering one or more of the deterrent modules 14. The portable power source 28 is preferably removably inserted into the handle body 18. For example, the portable power source 28 may be located within or along a length of the handle bridge 24 of the handle body 18. The portable power source 28 is readily replaceable within the handle body 18 such that the power source 28 may be exchanged for an additional power source 28 when the power source 28 becomes depleted.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the deterrent module 14 is shaped to fit substantially within one of the cavities of the handle body 18. The deterrent module is configured to discharge or emit a deterrent from a discharge end 30 through a face of the shield 10 to disperse persons on an opposite side of the shield from a user or to otherwise provide offensive protection of the user. Deterrent modules 14 may include, for example, components configured to emit a spray such as mace or pepper spray, or other irritant, non-lethal or less-lethal elements such as a stun gun or Taser® device. Other modules may be configured to discharge a less-lethal projectile such as bean bags, rubber bullets, or other projectiles that are less likely to be lethal. In one alternative, one or more deterrent modules 14 may be configured to discharge a lethal projectile, such as a bullet. Finally, components for various other accessories such as flashlights, audible distractions, or visual distractions such as smoke generators or flash bangs may be located within the deterrent modules 14.

The deterrent module 14 includes components that allow the deterrent module 14 to discharge a deterrent or otherwise activate. The deterrent module 14 may include one or more contacts on an external surface of the module for communicating with contacts located within the cavity of the handle body 18. The deterrent module 14 is in communication with the handle body such that the one or more controls 26 on the handle portion activate the deterrent module. Further, the deterrent module 14 is in communication with the portable power source 28 of the handle body 18 to power the deterrent module 14.

While the above description contemplates the deterrent module 14 being discharged using a power source, it is also understood that the deterrent module may be mechanically activated or powered. For example, the deterrent module 14 may be deployed using one or more of compressed air, springs, or other mechanical means. Further, the deterrent module 14 may be activated using a trigger or other mechanism in communication with the deterrent module.

When the deterrent modules 14 are inserted into the handle body 18, a discharge end of the deterrent module 14 is aligned with the one or more apertures 17 formed in the face of the shield 10 such that the deterrent module 14 may discharge a deterrent through the shield 10. The deterrent modules 14 may be secured within the handle body 18 using one or more fasteners. Preferably, the deterrent modules 14 are secured within the handle body 18 using a quick release mechanism that allows a user to quickly remove and insert the deterrent modules 14. For example, the deterrent module 14 may include one or more indentations that engage with a release mechanism within the handle body 18 such that the deterrent module 14 may be released when a user engaged the release mechanism of the handle body 18. In another example, the deterrent module 14 may be substantially sandwiched between the shield 10 and the handle body 18. To insert or remove a deterrent module 14, the handle body 18 may be removed from the shield and subsequently reinstalled with a different deterrent module.

Individual of the deterrent modules 14 are configured to provide a single type of deterrent or utility and to be readily interchangeable with other deterrent modules 14 within the handle body 18. When a user desires to change a type of deterrent available to the user, the deterrent module 14 may be swapped for another deterrent module 14 that provides a type of deterrent desired by the user or that is appropriate for a particular situation.

The riot shield handles 12A and 12B of the present disclosure may be adapted to fit existing riot shields. For example, apertures may be formed through an existing riot shield for both securing the handles 12A and 12B to the shield and for allowing the deterrent modules 14 to discharge through a face of the riot shield.

In operation, one or more deterrent modules 14 are selected by a user based on an intended use of the shield and environment in which the shield is to be deployed. For example, for relatively peaceful or non-violent environments, deterrent modules such as a stun device, smoke generator, or mace may be installed into the handles 12A and 12B of the shield. Alternatively, for violent environments, such as in combat situations, lethal or less-lethal deterrent modules 14 may be selected by a user and inserted into the handle body 18 such as deterrent modules 14 that fire projectiles.

After selecting desired deterrent modules 14, the deterrent modules 14 are inserted into the handles 12A and 12B. When the user desires to discharge the deterrent modules 14, the user activates the one or more controls on the handles 12A and 12B to discharge a desired deterrent module 14. When the deterrent module 14 is depleted, or when a user desires to change deterrent modules 14, the user removes the deterrent module 14 from the handle body 18 and installs a new deterrent module 14.

The riot shield and integrated handle of the present disclosure advantageously allows a user to swap between desired deterrents and also allows the user to deploy the deterrents from behind the shield. Deterrent modules 14 may be pre-installed for a particular use, thereby preventing excessive deterrent modules 14 from being used in non-violent environments. The riot shield and integrated handle are readily replaceable by the user and allow the user to change deterrent modules based on an environment or as an environment changes. By combining deterrents with the riot shield of the present disclosure, a user has the option to both defend himself using the shield and utilize an offensive deterrent. This reduces a number of people required for particular scenarios, such as requiring armed users to line up behind a user holding a riot shield.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A riot shield comprising: a shield including a first aperture formed through the shield, the shield having a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a first handle attached to the first face of the shield portion, the first handle including a handle body having a first cavity formed therein, the first cavity located adjacent to the first face of the shield portion and aligned with the first aperture; and a first deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the first handle, the first deterrent module including a discharge end that is aligned with the first aperture of the shield such that a deterrent of the first deterrent module is discharged outwardly from the second face of the shield portion.
 2. The riot shield of claim 1, further comprising: a second aperture formed through the shield; a second handle attached to the first face of the shield portion, the second handle including a handle body having a first cavity formed therein, the first cavity located adjacent to the first face of the shield portion and aligned with the second aperture; and a second deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the second handle, the second deterrent module including a discharge end that is aligned with the second aperture of the shield such that a deterrent of the second deterrent module is discharged outwardly from the second face of the shield portion.
 3. The riot shield of claim 1, the handle forming a U-shaped handle body with the first cavity located at an upper end of the U-shaped handle body, the U-shaped handle body further including a second cavity formed at a lower end of the U-shaped handle body and adapted to receive a second deterrent module into the second cavity of the U-shaped handle body.
 4. The riot shield of claim 3, the handle including a handle bridge connecting the upper end and the lower end of the U-shaped handle body.
 5. The riot shield of claim 4, further comprising a power source located within the handle bridge of the U-shaped handle body.
 6. The riot shield of claim 1, the first deterrent module comprising one of a less-lethal and non-lethal deterrent module.
 7. The riot shield of claim 1, the first handle secured to the first face of the shield portion with one or more fasteners, wherein the first deterrent module is secured within the first cavity of the first handle between the first face of the shield and the first handle.
 8. A riot shield handle comprising: a handle body adapted to be secured to a riot shield; a cavity formed in the handle body located adjacent a surface of the riot shield when the handle is secured to the riot shield; and a deterrent module removably secured within the cavity formed in the handle body, the deterrent module including a discharge end adjacent the shield portion and configured to emit a deterrent from the deterrent module.
 9. A riot shield comprising: a shield including at least first and second apertures formed through a face of the shield; at least one handle attached to the shield portion, the handle including a U-shaped handle body, a first cavity formed in an upper portion of the U-shaped handle body, the first cavity located adjacent to a rear surface of the shield portion; a second cavity formed in a lower portion of the U-shaped handle body, the second cavity located adjacent to a rear surface of the shield portion, a first deterrent module removably inserted into the first cavity of the handle body, the deterrent module including a discharge end aligned with the first apertures formed through the face of the shield, and a second deterrent module removably inserted into the cavity of the handle body, the deterrent module including a discharge end aligned with the first apertures formed through the face of the shield. 